Outemu Cream Yellow vs. Jwick Splash Brothers
An in-depth look at the Outemu Cream Yellow and the Jwick Splash Brothers switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When it comes to mechanical keyboard switches, there are a wide variety of options to choose from, each offering different characteristics to enhance your typing experience. Two popular choices are the Outemu Cream Yellow, a tactile switch, and the Jwick Splash Brothers, a linear switch. The Cream Yellow is known for its smooth tactile feedback, providing a satisfying bump with each keystroke. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers offer a speedy typing experience with shorter activation and a unique sound signature reminiscent of its namesake, Steph and Klay. While the Cream Yellow excels in tactile feedback, the Splash Brothers stand out for their quick response and distinctive typing feel. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
N/A
Bottom-out force
60g
Bottom-out force
48g
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
1.00 mm
Total travel
3.30 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
pom
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Nylon
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Extended long spring
Housing materials
The Outemu Cream Yellow and the Jwick Splash Brothers both offer unique characteristics due to their different housing materials. The Cream Yellow features a nylon top housing, which produces a deeper and fuller sound profile thanks to its softer plastic that absorbs more sound. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers utilizes a polycarbonate top housing, which results in a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile. The clear polycarbonate housing also allows for RGB lighting to shine through, adding an aesthetic appeal to the switch.
In terms of the bottom housing, both the Cream Yellow and the Splash Brothers use nylon material. This classic switch housing material provides a deep and full sound profile due to its softness and sound absorption capabilities. With both switches utilizing nylon for the bottom housing, users can expect a consistent sound experience in terms of depth and roundness. This similarity in housing materials may result in comparable typing experiences in terms of sound profile and tactile feedback.
When utilizing switches with different top and bottom housing materials, users can experience a split in the qualities each housing material brings to the overall sound profile. The bottom housing has a more significant impact on the bottom-out sound and feel when pressing down on a key, while the top housing influences the sound when releasing a key. This distinction highlights how the specific housing materials used in switches can play a crucial role in determining the overall sound profile and typing experience.
Weight
When comparing the actuation force and bottom out force of the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, it is evident that the Cream Yellow requires a higher actuation force of 45 grams compared to the unspecified force of the Splash Brothers. However, the bottom out force of the Cream Yellow is heavier at 60 grams, whereas the Splash Brothers is lighter at 48 grams. The difference in actuation force may result in a slightly different typing experience, with the Cream Yellow providing a more substantial push feel. Additionally, the lighter bottom out force of the Splash Brothers may appeal to users looking for a smoother and lighter keystroke. Both switches offer unique characteristics that cater to different preferences, with the Cream Yellow being on the medium side and the Splash Brothers leaning towards the lighter end of the spectrum. Ultimately, the choice between the two switches will depend on individual preferences for actuation and bottom out forces.
Travel distance
The Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch has a travel distance of 3.3 mm, while the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm. Both switches fall within the range of shorter travel distances, which are becoming increasingly popular, especially among gamers looking for faster response times. The Cream Yellow offers a slightly shorter travel distance, making it a good choice for those seeking quick key presses. On the other hand, the Splash Brothers provides a slightly longer travel distance, which may appeal to users who prefer a more profound keystroke feel. Ultimately, the difference of 0.2 mm in travel distance between the two switches may not be noticeable to all users, and both can offer similar results in terms of typing or gaming experience.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
For 10 switches, the Outemu Cream Yellow comes in at $3.10, whereas the Jwick Splash Brothers comes in at $2.49.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
The Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch offer different qualities in terms of sound and feel. The Cream Yellow is known for its silent operation without any specific sound characteristics attributed to it, while the Splash Brothers linear switch produces a creamy sound signature. When it comes to feel, the Cream Yellow's tactile sensation is not specified, whereas the Splash Brothers linear switch is described as mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished, offering a gentle typing experience with responsive feedback and smooth key travel. Overall, if you prefer a silent switch with an unknown feel, the Cream Yellow may be a suitable choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a creamy sound profile and a switch with mild, snappy, bouncy, subtle, and polished characteristics, the Splash Brothers linear switch would be a great option for you. Ultimately, the choice between these switches will depend on your personal preference for sound and feel profiles.
Conclusion
In closing, when deciding between the Outemu Cream Yellow tactile switch and the Jwick Splash Brothers linear switch, consider your preference for typing feel and sound. If you enjoy a medium tactile feel with a creamy sound signature, the Cream Yellow may be the choice for you. However, if you prefer a lighter linear switch with a snappy and bouncy feel, along with a neutral sound profile, the Splash Brothers could be the better option. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and typing style when choosing between these two switches.
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